Football
20y

Probe of French cyclists forces new doping measures

PARIS -- Several French cyclists are being investigated for
possible doping and will be ineligible for the Athens Olympics,
prompting tougher drug measures by authorities.

France Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour said Friday there
will be more surprise drug tests for athletes in all sports. He
added that he will visit Interpol, the international police agency,
to talk about fighting the spread of drugs across borders.

The new steps came in response to a drug investigation centering
on Cofidis, one of France's top cycling teams. Several cyclists
have been held for questioning, and police have seized male
hormones, the performance enhancer EPO and amphetamines.

Lamour and cycling officials agreed on Friday that French
cyclists under investigation -- including an Olympic medalist -- will
be barred from the games in August. The minister wants to see the
actions applied for all sports.

Philippe Gaumont, one of four French bronze-medal winners in the
team time trial at the 1992 Olympics, was placed under criminal
investigation Wednesday.

Normally, a judicial investigation does not bar French athletes
from competition, unlike a positive doping test and the resulting
suspension. But Lamour wants to isolate "the cheaters, those who
want to cheat and the suppliers."

Cyclists already have periodic blood tests throughout the year.
Now they can lose their racing credentials if officials find
anything suspicious.

The number of drug tests conducted throughout the year will be
boosted from 8,500 to 9,000. Lamour hopes about 60 percent will be
surprise tests.

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